UNAR Nutrition and Hydration Assistance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident is ordered a 'mechanical soft' diet. Which food is appropriate to serve?
- Raw carrots
- Mashed potatoes (Correct answer)
- Whole apple
- Hard pretzels
Correct answer: Mashed potatoes
A mechanical soft diet consists of foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, and ground meats.
Question 2: Which liquid consistency is described as pourable but moves slower than water and coats a spoon?
- Thin liquid
- Nectar thick (Correct answer)
- Honey thick
- Pudding thick
Correct answer: Nectar thick
Nectar-thick liquids have the consistency of nectar or tomato juice and flow more slowly than thin liquids, reducing aspiration risk.
Question 3: A resident is on a low-sodium diet. Which food should the NA remove from the meal tray?
- Fresh steamed broccoli
- Baked chicken breast
- Canned soup (Correct answer)
- Fresh fruit salad
Correct answer: Canned soup
Canned soups are high in sodium and should be avoided for residents on low-sodium diets; fresh or specially prepared low-sodium alternatives should be offered.
Question 4: A diabetic resident's meal tray is delayed 30 minutes past the scheduled time. What should the NA do?
- Have the resident wait until the tray arrives
- Give the resident candy to hold them over
- Notify the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Document that the meal was late and do nothing else
Correct answer: Notify the nurse immediately
A delayed meal for a diabetic resident can cause hypoglycemia, so the nurse must be notified immediately to assess the resident and take appropriate action.
Question 5: Which item would be included on a clear liquid diet?
- Cream of wheat
- Pureed peas
- Apple juice (Correct answer)
- Yogurt
Correct answer: Apple juice
Clear liquid diets include transparent liquids such as apple juice, broth, gelatin, and water; solid or opaque foods are not permitted.
Question 6: A resident with dysphagia ordered nectar-thick liquids asks for a glass of plain water. What is the NA's best response?
- Provide plain water because it is the resident's right
- Explain the diet order and offer nectar-thick fluids instead (Correct answer)
- Add ice to thin water for the resident
- Ignore the request and document nothing
Correct answer: Explain the diet order and offer nectar-thick fluids instead
The NA must follow the prescribed diet order to prevent aspiration; the resident should be offered nectar-thick fluids and the nurse informed if the resident refuses.
Question 7: A resident on a renal (kidney) diet should limit which nutrient?
- Vitamin C
- Potassium (Correct answer)
- Iron
- Vitamin D
Correct answer: Potassium
Renal diets restrict potassium (and often phosphorus and sodium) because damaged kidneys cannot properly filter excess potassium, leading to dangerous levels in the blood.
UNAR Nutrition and Hydration Assistance 2
A resident is ordered a 'mechanical soft' diet.
Which food is appropriate to serve?